Artur Hawkwing Few men have left behind a larger legacy or more stories than Artur Hawkwing. Hawkwing was certainly a great man, and is known throughout the world as one of the most phenomenal leaders ever to rise to power. The fact that he was strongly ta’veren certainly aided in his efforts. When a man named Guaire Amalasan
proclaimed himself as the Dragon Reborn and quickly won a huge following and a large army, every nation sent men to fight him. One of the first such was the smaller nation of Shandalle, led by a young man then known as Artur Paendrag. Artur Paendrag came to be known as “Hawkwing” for the speed with which he moved his troops. It was during his battles against Amalasan that The year Hawkwing returned to Shandalle, FY 943, is considered the first year in the reign of Artur the High King. It is unclear whether or not the Amyrlin Seat of the time, Bonwhin Meraighdin, encouraged it or not, but several powerful nations sent armies against Hawkwing. Hawkwing defeated them and every other nation that sent armies against him, though he was often outnumbered. The period from FY 943-963 is known as the Consolidation. At the end of this period, Hawkwing was the undisputed ruler of everything from the Aryth Ocean to the Spine of the World. He never lost a battle during the entire period. The reign of the High King was fair and prosperous. People throughout the empire had a strong love for Hawkwing, inspired by his devotion to justice and equality. He chose his leaders based on merit, not on birth.
The only period of his reign which bears a negative image, known as “the Black Years,” came near the end of the Consolidation. Hawkwing’s wife Amaline and his three remaining
children were all killed by poison. He withdrew from those close to Probably starting with his difficulties with Bonwhin during the defense of Tar Valon, Hawkwing had a deep mistrust of Aes Sedai. But for a good period of his life he accepted Aes Sedai as governors in his territories. Towards the end of his life, though, he put a price on the head of every Aes Sedai in the realm. He laid siege to Tar Valon and died while the siege was still in progress.
The reasons for Hawkwing’s sudden, violent turn against the White Tower are uncertain. Some suggest that Hawkwing may have discovered Bonwhin was in fact behind the concerted
moves of his enemies at the beginning of his reign. Others claim that he might have discovered evidence that it was the Aes Sedai who were responsible for the deaths of his wife and children.
Recent evidence has come to light, though, that a counselor who gained a great deal of influence with Hawkwing may have been the reason. Jalwin Moerad appeared in Hawkwing’s court and
quickly gained influence with the High King. It is believed that Moerad may actually have been the man more commonly known as Ishamael
. Hawkwing, on his deathbed, refused an offer of Aes Sedai Healing that As all know, Hawkwing sent expeditions to Seanchan and Shara. Had he not expended so much energy in conflicts with the White Tower, perhaps he would have succeeded in uniting the entire world. Hawkwing is now one of the heroes tied to the Horn of Valere. When the Horn of Valere calls him, he will come to fight for who sounds it - whether that is to fight for the Light, or against it. |
he made a name for himself. Despite the fact that he was often outnumbered, Hawkwing typically won and at
worst gained a stalemate. It was Hawkwing’s forces which, along with a group of Aes Sedai, eventually captured Amalasan. And it was Hawkwing’s army which
helped to turn aside the two large armies that attacked Tar Valon in an attempt to free Amalasan.
him and became extremely
cold and hard. Salvation came with the woman who would be the High King’s second wife, Tamika.
might have saved him.All chapter icons and references to The Wheel of Time are copyrighted by Tor Books
and Robert Jordan. All computer renders are copywrited by their owners. All pictures from the collectible card game are copyrighted by
Precedence Entertainment and their respective creators. Website design, graphics, summaries, and text are copyrighted by Michael Mackert.
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